Criminology and Criminal Justice - Certificate of Higher Education with Foundation Year

This two-year programme begins with a tailored Foundation Year, designed to support you if you do not currently meet the entry requirements to enrol directly onto the Certificate of Higher Education in Criminology and Criminal Justice.. During the Foundation Year you will build academic confidence, develop essential study skills and acquire subject specific knowledge making it easier to transition to higher education. Whether you previously gained relevant work experience in the sector and now want to progress or only achieved modest Level 3 results this combined programme lays the groundwork to set you up for a successful degree-level journey.

Once you have completed the Foundation Year, you will move on to the Certificate of Higher Education proper, where you will start to explore crime, criminal behaviour and the criminal justice system in more detail.

Drawing on criminology, sociology, psychology, law, politics and philosophy, you will explore crime and justice from local, national and global perspectives. This year of the course examines key criminological theories, contemporary debates and real‑world criminal justice issues, offering insight into the complex social, cultural and political factors that shape crime, victimisation and responses to offending.

Equivalent to the first year of a full-time three-year undergraduate degree, the Certificate of Higher Education with Foundation Year is an ideal option if you want to explore the subject before committing to longer‑term study. On successful completion, you can progress directly to Level 5 of the Criminology and Criminal Justice degree, or use the qualification to enhance your employability through a broad range of transferable skills. Whether your ambition is to work within the criminal justice system, progress to further study, or gain a deeper understanding of crime and justice in society, this pathway provides a supportive and flexible starting point for your academic journey.

Course Modules

Modules at level 3

Module title Code Credits Optional

Essential Academic Skills TH3MD0001 30 No

Development in Protective Services and Criminology TH3MD0002 30 No

Crime and Deviance TH3MD0003 10 No

Criminal Justice TH3MD0004 10 No

Prison Crisis TH3MD0005 10 No

Criminal Mind TH3MD0006 10 No

Research Project TH3MD0007 20 No

Modules at level 4

Module title Code Credits Optional

Becoming a Criminologist TH4MD341 20 No

Introduction to Criminological Theory TH4MD342 20 No

Psychology of Crime TH4MD343 20 No

Imprisonment and Rehabilitation TH4MD344 20 No

Introduction to Criminal Justice TH4MD345 20 No

Criminology in Action TH4MD346 20 No

https://www.blackpool.ac.uk/course/th1he0018

Assessment on the Foundation Year is designed to help you build confidence, develop key academic skills, and prepare for Level 4 study. You’ll experience a variety of short, focused assessments that provide quick feedback and allow for targeted support where needed.

Subjects include:

• Portfolio of Essential skills

• Portfolio for Personal Development

• Crime and Deviance

• Inside the criminal mind

• The Criminal Justice System

• Prison Crisis

Core Module Assessment:

The two core modules will be assessed through a single portfolio. This portfolio will include:

• Reflective practice activities

• A personal development plan

• Evidence of skill development across the year

Curriculum-Specific Modules:

• Theory modules will be assessed using short answer questions to test your understanding of key concepts.

• Practical modules will require you to produce a report relevant to your subject area, helping you apply your learning in a real-world context.

Final Project:

• In term 3, you’ll complete a group or individual project.

• This will be assessed through a presentation, giving you the chance to showcase your learning, communication skills, and subject knowledge.

This varied and supportive assessment structure is designed to help you track your progress, build your academic toolkit, and feel ready for the next step in your higher education journey

Assessment Method Level 4

Coursework 95%